SPY vs VAW
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Vanguard Materials ETF
Quick Verdict
VAW has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | VAW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $2.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.39% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 111 | |
| YTD Return | +12.22% | +12.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +17.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.70% | +11.52% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +6.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 20.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -63.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 26, 2004 |
SPY vs VAW Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% while VAW returned +17.01%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.22% versus a gain of 12.02% for VAW.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.70% per year against +11.52% for VAW; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +6.99% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +7.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VAW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for SPY and -63.5% for VAW. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while VAW charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $9 annually, a gap of $0 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.39% for VAW.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and VAW share 23 holdings out of 592 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or VAW?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VAW charges 0.09%. VAW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or VAW?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.83% vs +17.01% for VAW, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), SPY annualized +8.79% vs +7.62% for VAW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or VAW?
VAW has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs VAW -63.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and VAW?
SPY and VAW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and VAW?
SPY and VAW share 23 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 592 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or VAW?
SPY yields 1.01% while VAW yields 1.39%, so VAW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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